AFL round 15

Melbourne v SydneyThis game shapes up as one of the games of the round, both these sides are on good runs the Demons looking for five wins in a row and sitting fifth ladder. The Swans have won six of their last seven games and sit just outside the eight in tenth.

Make no doubt about it the Demons are the most improved side this year and rank in the top three in a lot of critical stat categories. The Swans seem to have found the right mix in the past few games and have been playing football like most expected them. The Demons are coming back from a gutsy win out West and will be able to match the Swans in the middle. Expect a clash of the Titans type battle in the midfield. The Swans have had the edge over the Demons winning the past five encounters, but it has been a season of firsts for the Demons and this could be another huge scalp.
Predict Melbourne win 7 points

Western Bulldogs v West Coast

We keep saying it…. but every game right now seems like an eight point game, so little separates so many sides that a win right now can make or break a season. The Eagles sit just inside the top 8 only by percentage ahead of the Saints and Bulldogs so this game will decide who will sit in the top eight for this week at least. The Bulldogs just are not the same team as last year and have been struggling to string wins together. You could say the same about the Eagles they lost a very winnable game last week against the Demons at home. One of these teams needs to stand up and make the top eight their own. Should be a very even game the Eagles have been good starters and the Bulldogs have grinder their way through all their games. Expect the same today. The Eagles have made a few changes but this will be a winnable game even with it being away from home. Their record at Etihad is not too bad.
Predict Eagles win 17 points

Carlton v Adelaide

Well Carlton continue to impress even when in defeat they are just so solid and Brendan Bolton has them full of belief. The Crows have had the speed wobbles the past few rounds big wins followed by a horrid loss. We know what we are going to get with Carlton but which Crows side will turn up today, if they Blues can shut them down especially Sloane the Crows seem to struggle. Questions remain about the three Crows forwards in Betts, Walker and Jenkins they need a huge lift from these three and the remaining if the Mid field.

Crows should win and win well but expect the Blues to show a bit of fight.
Predict Adelaide win 39 points

Gold Coast v North Melbourne

Gary Ablett’s 300th game today and no water what the result we should all applaud this great footballer. Even though this is 14th v 17th on the ladder both sides have payed some very electric football this year and their bests have matched it with some of the best sides. Hard to pick the winner here, you would think if the Suns are going to win a game it will be this one at home Ablett’s 300th. Both sides can score in a flurry so expect a free flowing, running game.
Predict Gold Coast win 11 points

GWS v Geelong

1st v 3rd game of the round big time block buster! You would hope so anyway but this game has a blow out feel about it. The Giants look like they have been finding some serious form after the shock loss to Carlton and this will be a statement game for them. Geelong seem to have a vulnerable feel to them right now and the Giants have so much talent across the field it’s only a matter of time before they really start to build momentum heading into the finals. Josh Kelly back in is a massive inclusion and gives the Giants so much drive. The Giants forwards if on song will be too big and fast for the Cats back half. This could get ugly.
Predict GWS win 57 points

Port Adelaide v Richmond

Fans won’t know we’re to watch tonight with 2 huge games on it’s what Saturday night footy should be. This game is one of huge interest 4th v 5th but with a fair gap in percentage. The Tigers band wagon is filling up again and they are playing some brilliant footy, but it’s the Power who seem to be able to put sides away with big bursts of goals in a short amount of time. Robbie Gray is on par with Martin when it comes to their importance to their sides. If they play well then they both go close. This game should be full of run and high skills. Grab your chips and a beer plant yourself in front of the TV and glue yourself to it you won’t want to miss this game
Predict Richmond win 9 points

Essendon v Brisbane

It is getting to the point of now or next season for the Bombers who have been ducking and weaving around the top 8 from round one and if they are going to make it this is simply a must win no matter what. The Lions haven’t tasted victory for a while and would give themselves a small chance but it will be a very hard task travelling to Melbourne to face the Bombers fresh off the heart breaking after the siren loss to the Swans. The Bombers should be going for a big win against the last place Lions and build some percentage.
Predict Essendon win 49 points
Hawthorn v Collingwood

The Hawks have had the wood over the Magpies for the past 10 years and even though the Magpies are slight favourites to win it will be a tough slog for them. The Hawks seem to grow a leg against the Pies and just find a way to win. While neither of these sides will be in finals contention there is still plenty to play for. On what should be a great day for footy it will be who uses the ball the best. Collingwood are one of the most attacking sides in Footy but also one of the most inefficient. The Hawks are a much cleaner side and will give them the edge along with their more mature bodies. Expect a tough tight game but Hawks in a tough one.

Predict Hawthorn win 18 points
Freemantle v Saint Kilda

Last roll of the dice for these two sides, they just have to win to keep hanging on the the bottom of the eight. A win would see the Saints back into the eight, and a win for the Dockers would see them back on even terms and within striking distance if good enough. The Saints are still one of the most attacking sides yet still struggle to kick more goals than points and it has cost them on more than one occasion. The Dockers at home are a hard task but the Saints have travelled well before and this won’t bother them too much. Hard to pick a clear winner here either side can play good enough footy to get the win but at home the Dockers will sneak over the line in a very tight one.